We conclude our two-part series on some of the predictions of 2006 (including our own) that went awry:

“… the Howard brandname now is poisonously tainted, and in its final, twitching throes. And a belated, failed Costello coup in March, round his tenth anniversary, will grievously wound him, and the compromise cleanskin candidate Malcolm will be triumphant by Father’s Day, which will give him a year to regain ground, if he can, against Beazley. And will Beazley win? Oh yes. You see if I am right”.

– Bob Ellis, Byron Bay Shire Echo, 24 January 2006

“Let me make this fearless prediction. The (Work Choices) changes won’t stay a hot topic once they get through parliament”. – Ross Gittins, Australian Business Economists Annual Forecasting Conference, 13 December 2005

“Now he’s looking for the suitable time to go as only Robert Menzies managed it voluntarily, with history lingering on his achievements, and giving his successor the best possible chance to carry on. He’s behaving, at least publicly, like he thinks those times might soon be upon him”. – Karen Middleton, Canberra Times, 8 July 2006

“Expect full-time employment to slow dramatically. Recent growth rates are nearing the level at which unemployment will begin to rise”. – John Hewson, AFR, 3 March 2006.

“England have a decent chance of retaining the Ashes because all they have to do is draw the series at worst whereas Australia actually have to win more matches”. – Richie Benaud, ECB website.

“Finally, it’s time for the pundits to put their predictions to the test. I hereby forecast that People Power’s Gabriela Byrne will win the fifth spot in Eastern Victoria courtesy of independent, DLP, Family First, Labor and then Green preferences”. – Stephen Mayne, Crikey, 22 November 2006